Thread: In need of a kick start!!!

I don't know about a company that can help teach you some starters, but there are a lot of good books, and heaps of info on this forum.
What are you struggling with?

Hi Stuey,

I am strictly an amateur who has only done this once before, but I can relate to your hesitation on where to start. I procrastinated for nearly two years!

There are some useful guides on the internet (eg http://melco.com.au/miterplan_pdfs/build_a_pergola.pdf ) and brochures at Bunnings etc. There is also an Australian Building Standard booklet you can get that specifies codes for things like wood strength and dimensions, rafter spans, etc. All this info put together will highlight the important things to consider and get right.

In the end, I over engineered and am confident that the pergola will be standing for longer than the house

Cheers,

Mike

I'm no expert either and don't have an answer to your question but there is a major point that a lot of people overlook.

Make sure it is sufficiently anchored down so that it doesn't blow away in high winds. Obviously the outlook of yard will have a big bearing on what sort of wind it will need to survive.

A big pergola has a big sail area.

I think that giving this a go is a good idea. I do not think time should be a consideration. Just work on your own pace and get as much information as you can before you spend a dollar.

If you post info here, and on the Renovation forum, I'm sure you'll get lots of advice.

Here's a pretty comprehensive web site about pergola building: Pergola & Deck | Home & Garden | Reader's Digest Australia
Here is a Youtube video [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqx1y_oBkkw]YouTube - How to build a pergola[/ame]
And another from Popular Mechanics.
Your local council should be able to give you information about footings etc.
Good luck with it!